In a year filled with nostalgia and reflection, one musical stands out as a shining example of enduring artistic brilliance: Jesus Christ Superstar. As the iconic rock opera embarks on its 50th anniversary tour across Australia, audiences are once again being captivated by the raw emotion, soaring vocals, and timeless storytelling that have made this show a cultural touchstone for generations.
The Australian Connection
While Jesus Christ Superstar may have had its genesis as a concept album crafted by the legendary duo of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, it was on the stages of Australia that the musical truly found its footing. In 1972, director Jim Sharman and designer Brian Thomson unleashed a bold new vision of the show that would go on to redefine musical theatre around the world.
Sharman and Thomson’s production was a revelation, infusing the biblical tale with the raw energy and unbridled passion of Australian rock music. Featuring a star-studded cast that included icons like Jon English, Stevie Wright, and Marcia Hines, this staging set the template for all future productions, earning the admiration of Lloyd Webber and Rice themselves.
A Reunion of Talent
Now, half a century later, Jesus Christ Superstar has returned to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, the very stage where it all began. Under the guidance of director Shaun Rennie, a new generation of performers is breathing fresh life into the beloved score, delivering performances that are both reverent and revolutionary.
Michael Paynter’s turn as Jesus is a revelation, his impossibly fluffy hair and puppy dog eyes belying a vocal prowess that leaves audiences stunned.
Paynter’s duets with costar Javon King, who brings a theatrical intensity to the role of Judas, crackle with electricity, while Mahalia Barnes imbues Mary Magdalene with a sensitivity and grace that cuts through the show’s frenetic energy.
A Spectacle for the Ages
But it’s not just the performances that make this production of Jesus Christ Superstar so special. The staging itself is a marvel, with Drew McOnie’s kinetic choreography and Lee Curran’s heavenly lighting design working in perfect harmony to create moments of pure, transcendent magic.
From the pulse-pounding opening chords of “Heaven on Their Minds” to the gut-wrenching final moments of the crucifixion, this is a production that grabs hold of the audience and never lets go. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Lloyd Webber and Rice’s vision, and a reminder of the vital role that Australia has played in shaping the legacy of this groundbreaking work.
An Emotional Homecoming
For many in the audience, seeing Jesus Christ Superstar back on the Capitol Theatre stage is a deeply emotional experience. This is the show that ignited a passion for musical theatre in countless Australians, the production that proved that rock music and biblical storytelling could coexist in glorious harmony.
As the cast takes their final bows and the crowd leaps to their feet in rapturous applause, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride in the role that Australia has played in the history of this incredible work. Jesus Christ Superstar may have been born on a concept album, but it was here, on the stages of Sydney and Melbourne, that it truly found its soul.
So if you have the chance to see this 50th anniversary production of Jesus Christ Superstar during its victory lap of Australia, don’t hesitate. This is more than just a revival of a classic musical; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of art, and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Australian theatre. In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, this show is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even the oldest stories can still speak to us in profound and transformative ways.
Jesus Christ Superstar is the art that made us, and the art that will continue to shape us for generations to come. It’s a gift, a revelation, and an experience that no true lover of musical theatre should miss.
